Casting Crowns is heading for top 10 debuts on the Billboard 200 chart next week.
Industry sources suggest that Casting Crowns' latest album, Thrive, may sell around 75,000 copies by the end of the tracking week on Sunday, February 2. The album was released on January 28.
However, the CD, at this point, is not in contention for the No. 1 slot. The recently released "2014 Grammy Nominees" compilation is aiming for No. 1, with perhaps over 90,000 sold for the week. It's basking in the glow of its namesake awards show, which aired on January 26.
The top 10 of next week's Billboard 200 chart will be revealed on Wednesday, February 5.
Casting Crowns' last studio set, 2011's "Come to the Well," debuted and peaked at No. 2 -- marking the act's second album to peak in the runner-up slot. "Come to the Well" sold 99,000 in its first week, according to Nielsen SoundScan. In total, the act has charted four top 10 sets, stretching back to 2005's "Lifesong," which debuted and peaked at No. 9.
"Thrive" will easily give Casting Crowns its sixth No. 1 album on the Christian Albums chart as well. It follows the group's previous leaders: "Come to the Well," "Until the Whole World Hears" (2009), "Peace On Earth" (2008), "The Altar and the Door" (2007) and "Lifesong."
The rest of the Building chart's top 10: Of Mice & Men is No. 3, while Beyonce's self-titled album is No. 4. Lorde's "Pure Heroine" is No. 5, Andy Mineo's "Never Land" is No. 6 and Casting Crowns is No. 7. Mineo will likely finish the week just outside the top 10, with perhaps 20,000.
(Casting Crowns is below Of Mice & Men on the Building chart, as a significant number of Casting Crowns' sales from Christian retailers are not represented in the Building chart. When the final chart is compiled next week, Casting Crowns should be well ahead of Of Mice & Men.)
